Last night I had the pleasure of attending a launch/fundraising event held by the Batonga Foundation in New York City. The organization is a US-based non-profit charitable organization that gives girls a secondary school and higher education so they can take the lead in changing Africa. Their mission is being implemented by granting scholarships, building secondary schools, mentoring, advocating education awareness, etc.
The event was hosted by the beautiful Liya Kebede (supermodel), Vanessa Redgrave (actress), Donna Karan (we fashion-savvy BGs already know who she is) and Angelique Kidjo (singer) at the vast, Bohen Foundation. It was great attending a spectacular event that raised funds for the education of our young and less fortunate BGs in Africa.
It’s important for all BGs around the world to give back. There are a myriad of national and international charities, foundations and mentoring opportunities where we can either donate our time or money. If we don’t give back to our communities, who will?
For more information on Batonga visit: www.batongafoundation.org
For information on becoming a mentor in your area visit: www.mentoring.org
What a great mission. I do believe Africa is going to turn around one day. Lord knows the women there have had more than their share of woes. It’s about time somebody did something wonderful for them!
As a BG in America, it is sometimes hard to remember where you come from. We tend to pay more attention to who’s the baby’s father on Maury, rather than focus on our brothers and sisters back home. The fight for us should not just start and end here, it should be taken worldwide. I’m glad to hear that this misson has brought the issue to our attention, so we can help the family who just may not have it as good as we do.
Other ways you can help the Batonga Foundation is by visiting the Myspace page http://www.myspace.com/batongafoundation and taking the Sodahead poll. For every person that takes the poll $1 is donated to the foundation!